Things To Do During Labor Day Weekend in Atlanta

What happens at the Chick-fil-A Kickoff Games... stays at the Chick-fil-A Kickoff Games.

Yes, the "National Puppet Slam" is a thing! Don't miss out on the creativity and laughs at this 18+ event.

Gather the troops (clones or otherwise) and head Downtown for Dragon Con. (Lori Bair)

Labor Day is the proverbial pat on the back for all your hard work throughout the year. It’s a time to let loose and have a little hard-earned rest, relaxation and fun. Labordaypalooza is arguably one of the most fun weekends in Atlanta, with just about every one of our top venues hosting events. Here are some favorite things to do and others you may not have heard about yet. Be sure to check out our Labor Day page for the full lineup of things going on, whether you're looking for huge festivals or family fun.

Dragon Con - For all you sci-fi loving geeks (*ahem*), Dragon Con is the most highly anticipated fandom event of the year, drawing nearly 50,000 to Atlanta to roam convention halls, parade downtown streets and enjoy a night at the Georgia Aquarium on Sept. 2 -- all while decked out in cosplay. (Wondering what Dragon Con is? Read all about it.)

Chick-fil-A Kickoff Games - It's no secret that college football is life here in the South. Experience the season opening with two Chick-fil-A Kickoff Games at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. On Sept. 2, Alabama faces Florida State, and on Sept. 4, it's Georgia Tech vs. Tennessee..

Atlanta Black Pride - It's the 20th Annual Atlanta Black Gay Pride Celebration, the largest in the Southeast. Visit the website for a full itinerary of events happening between Aug. 30 and Sept. 4.

Labor Day Weekend at Stone Mountain Park - Immediately following the Saturday, Sunday and Monday nights' Lasershow, Stone Mountain Park is offering an extended fireworks show meant to honor the American spirit, featuring songs about working men and women.

The AJC Decatur Book Festival - Calling all book lovers! Head to Decatur Square for a weekend (Friday through Sunday) of book signings, author readings, panel discussions, poetry slams, writing workshops, an interactive children's area and more.

Sky High Hot Air Balloon Festival - Soar into September at the 19th annual Sky High Hot Air Balloon Festival at Callaway Gardens. The weekend kicks off with the Friday Night Balloon Glow and continues through Sunday. Saturday is filled with family-friendly events, including live music, beach activities, a Kids' Zone and more. Watch beautiful balloons in flight or hop in a basket for your own tethered balloon ride.

Joleen Pete lives outside Atlanta with her husband and their 4-year-old son. On the weekends they enjoy going into the city for family fun and exploration. Joleen is the professional photographer behind Joleen Pete Photography and lifestyle/family blogger behind Love, Joleen.